The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction in orthopedic education and research, offering novel surgical training and scientific advancement approaches.1-3 As the global AI healthcare market grows at 47.6% annually, certain fundamental questions on readiness have to be faced.4 While AI technology offers unprecedented opportunities to address healthcare inequities, successful deployment requires comprehensive policy frameworks, robust infrastructure, and systematic capacity building. The central premise remains: “AI should augment, not replace, clinical expertise”. This editorial explores the opportunities and challenges in mainstreaming AI in healthcare in Nepal.